[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 16 (Monday, February 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF CAROL HAFNER

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 4, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Carol Hafner 
for her service, as she prepares to retire from her position as Fresno 
County's Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. 
Carol will be leaving the Fresno County Department of Agriculture after 
more than 34 years of service.
  Born into a farming family, Carol has a deep understanding of 
agriculture--the lifeblood of California's San Joaquin Valley. She 
earned a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, with an emphasis in 
botany from California State University, San Jose. In 1979, she was 
offered a job as an agricultural biologist/inspector at the Fresno 
County Department of Agriculture and immediately formed an attachment 
with the community. After 10 years as an agricultural biologist/
inspector she was hired as a deputy and served in that position for 19 
years. Carol then worked as assistant commissioner for nine months 
before becoming the Agricultural Commissioner. She held that position 
for over four years.
  Carol has made many outstanding contributions during her time at the 
Fresno County Department of Agriculture. The methyl iodide application 
and the European grapevine moth (EGVM) quarantine was a challenge that 
Carol encountered. Even though it created an obstacle for the 
department, she ended the chaos and fixed the problem in a short period 
of time. Also, while other departments in the County were facing tough 
budget challenges, Carol found the money to fill four positions in her 
department. In addition, Carol developed great relations between the 
Fresno County Department of Agriculture and growers in the surrounding 
area.
  The Agricultural Commissioner plays a vital role in Fresno's multi-
billion dollar agriculture industry. Carol's hard work and dedication 
to our Valley made her perfect for the position, and she served the 
County of Fresno proudly.
  Carol plans to stay active in the agricultural community when she 
retires. She will serve on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Review 
Committee, and she will resume her involvement in California Women for 
Agriculture (CWA). In addition, Carol and her husband, Tye will both be 
retiring, so they can spend much needed time with their sons and prize 
winning miniature schnauzers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
service of Ms. Carol Hafner. The work she has done for Valley 
agriculture will have a lasting impact on Fresno County and the entire 
State of California.

                          ____________________